Towing CA to FL w/Tacoma (advice)

Driving from California to Florida and I need to tow a 04 VW Golf behind me.

Here is the specs I have, please provide any insight. I read the Tacoma Towing Bible thread. Great info.

07 Tacoma 4x4 4cy Ac Cab Manual w/ 48k miles, 6" lift, 33" A/T tires, 4:56 gears. Class 3 tow hitch sits at 24"

18' trailer single axle 3500#, sits at 20". Trailer has 12' 1" by 6" 5" surface with railings that stick out 9 inches. 5'9" from front of trailer surface to hitch

Towing 04 golf 13' by 6.5' 2700 pounds.

Truck will have two passengers 300#, 500# or less of personnel gear.

Plan to load engine forward of axle and keep the trailer at or under 3500#. Take 99 to I-15 and I-40 across at 55mph. I've read you can tow at 70 in TX and 75 in Louisiana but I have no intention to. Any insight on this set up or a similar experience/ grades to be aware of appreciated. Car can be unloaded and driven if the weather turns to **** / etc. Also list any must stops/ sites and food.

Thanks, Ryan

 

Tow rating for the 2.7L is 3500lb. You're going to be right at that. I'm not saying don't do it, just don't expect to break any land speed records. Take it slow and easy.

 

I-10 is about the flatest route you can take . I have taken that trip way to many times and i have tried every route .

 

That's what I was thinking.

Plus: Situational awareness will be critical. I don't think you'll have any problems as long as you keep everything under control. That means give yourself extra following distance (you're not gonna stop quickly). With S/A in mind, don't run too long/try to break any duration records. Take reasonable breaks (every 2 - 3 hours). And get good sleep during your trip.

The other potential danger will be high winds; I suggest checking the weather forecast for your route at the beginning of each day's travel.

For the record, I tow both a 7'x10' cargo trailer loaded to around 3K lbs and my 8'x12' flatbed loaded with up to 3 ATVs (total @ 2500lbs) or a 14' Zodiac w/ 25HP outboard. My truck is like yours except no lift and stock size tires. 5th gear won't be much use except on flat land once your up to speed; power band around 2500 rpms. I do avoid extremely windy conditions with the cargo trailer ... damn thing can be like towing a box kite in cross winds over 30 mph.

That's my advice FWIW. Stay safe.

 

I cant tell if that trailer has brakes or bot. If it doesn't be extra careful with your stopping distance. Also don't forget a spare for the trailer and tools to change it.

 

Thanks for the info guys. I've altered the route and plan to take the 10 across instead of the 40. Recently put fresh syn in the rear end (Amsoil) and motor (Royal Purple). Going to put some Redline MT-90 in the manual trans tomorrow.

I picked up a 10k # race car tie down set, 2 tie backs and 2 ratcheting axle tie downs. Each one is rated at 10k#. Also got some of the tow mirrors recommended on the tow thread and some wheel chocks for the car and trailer.

Plan to drive south from Sacramento area, around the grapevine and connect to the 10. I have two spare tires for the trailer (tires on trailer are in excellent shape), one spare for the truck, a 5 gallon gas can and a good toolbox.

If anyone has any other tips, please shoot them out.

 

I know there is worse traffic out there but be very careful about when you hit Baton Rouge, LA. Very tight and busy interstate. At one point you hit a 35 mph curve where only 1 out of the 3 eastbound lanes will keep you on I-10. Try to hit it before 3 or after 7. Good luck with your trip

 

It does get hilly in TX between El Paso and San AN. and then when crossing the MS in LA, which one do 3 or 4 times.


Other than that, yeah pretty easy drive. Make sure that your Taco has a tranny cooler. When driving in between El Paso and San An, stop for gas even if you don't need it, gas stations are sparse in that area. Carrying a 5 gallon gas container may not be a bad idea.

Also why not get a dolly? Golfs are FWD, so no miles showing up in the odo, plus dolly's are lighter. Good luck!

 

i guess the best advice i could give is Do not go to FL . i was there 15 years and hated it . what part are you going to ? To me Texas is the worst part of that drive becuse it is a full day just to get across that state . After texas it seems to go pretty quik cus you start picking off the states pretty fast .

 

OP's truck is 5spd manual, I believe.

Dolly would be a good option ... I don't think they're all that expensive to rent either. Something to consider. Let us know how it goes.

 

Towing a golf with a 4 banger? Wow, make sure to give yourself plenty of time. You should be fine.

 

OOOPS!


Oh well everything else is spot on. Yeah a coast to coast dolly would be about $400 with insurance.

 

Funny, I lived in FL for 21 years, and LOVED IT! To each it's own, I guess. Of course I did not live anywhere close to the capital of South America... (Miami-Dade).

 

If you need to back up with the trailer put your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and then if you need to turn the trailer left move your hand to the left and the same goes for right.

Thats the simple method I was taught it removes the thinking involved that you need to go the opposite way when you hold the wheel at 10 and 2 while backing up.

Also take your time and pay attention to all the other idiots out there because they will not realize that you ability to speed up and stop have changed drastically because you are pulling the trailer and they will drive like idiots and cut you off so just watch everyone else.

 

Made it safely. Easy drive, boring but easy. Truck pulled it with no problem. Even used 5th gear most of the time. The wiring harness in the trailer grounded out in San Antonio and I had to rewire it, that was about the worst of it. Thanks for the info everyone.

 

Glad you made it!